Key Points
- Temporary kitchens need a smart location with water access, outlet space, and good ventilation.
- Portable cooking tools like hot plates, toaster ovens, and mini fridges make mealtime doable.
- Organization is key—use bins, carts, and work zones to keep things clean and efficient.
Cooking Up a Plan B: Your Kitchen, Just Relocated
What do you do when your kitchen’s out of commission, but takeout every night isn’t the move? How do you keep meals on track without a working stove or sink?
In this post, you’ll learn how to set up a temporary kitchen that keeps your household running smoothly through your kitchen remodel.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to cook, clean, and stay organized during a remodel without losing your mind (or your appetite).
What Is a Temporary Kitchen?
A temporary kitchen is a substitute cooking space used when the main kitchen is unavailable, typically during remodeling. It’s usually set up in another room and includes essential appliances and storage to maintain basic meal preparation.
Temporary Kitchen Solutions and Types
There are lots of ways to set up a temporary kitchen, depending on your space and what you have available. Some people use a folding table and a few small appliances in the dining room, garage, or basement.
Others move larger appliances, like a fridge or microwave, into another room to make things more convenient. Here are some common types:
- Portable setups: Just the basics—think microwave, hot plate, and some storage on a card table.
- Mobile kitchens: Rented trailers or units that function like a mini kitchen on wheels.
- Relocated kitchens: Shifting as much as you can from your old kitchen to a new spot in your home.
The goal is to make sure you can cook basic meals until your new kitchen is ready.
Typical Features and Functionality of Temporary Kitchens
A temporary kitchen usually includes a microwave, toaster oven, hot plate, and maybe a mini fridge or cooler. You’ll want a flat surface (like a folding table) for food prep.
Other helpful features:
- Storage bins or shelves for utensils, snacks, and dry goods.
- Disposable plates and utensils to cut down on dishwashing.
- Power strips for running multiple appliances safely.
The whole idea is to keep cooking, storing food, and cleaning up as easy as possible until your new kitchen is finished.
Planning Your Temporary Kitchen Space
| Location | Water Access | Outlet Access | Space for Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dining Room | No | Yes | Good |
| Laundry Room | Yes | Yes | Fair |
| Garage | No | Yes | Plenty |
| Near Bathroom Sink | Yes | Limited | Small |
Planning your temporary kitchen is all about picking the right spot and making it work for you. The right setup keeps everyone fed and helps reduce stress during your kitchen remodel.
Choosing the Right Location
Start by picking a good location.
Dining rooms, laundry rooms, or garages are popular choices.
If you can, choose a spot with easy access to water, like near a bathroom or laundry sink. This makes washing dishes and prepping food much easier.
You’ll also want enough outlets for your appliances. Good ventilation is a plus, especially if you’re using hot plates.
Try to avoid carpeted areas—spills happen!
Designing Effective Work Zones
Temporary kitchens work best when you set up clear work zones. This keeps things organized and cuts down on clutter.
Set up a food prep area with a small table, cutting board, and utensils. Your cooking zone should be near outlets for your microwave or hot plate.
For cleaning, use a dish tub and drying rack close to a water source. Keep your most-used items within reach and group supplies by activity, like keeping your dishwashing gear in one basket.
Understanding the Kitchen Work Triangle Concept
The kitchen work triangle connects the sink, stove, and fridge in a triangular layout. Even in a temporary kitchen, this idea helps things run smoother.
Try to arrange your cleaning, cooking, and food storage spots as points of a triangle with short, direct paths between each area. Even if you’re using a cooler and a bathroom sink, keep everything close but not crowded.
A simple L-shape or U-shape layout often works best. Clear paths make your temporary kitchen feel more efficient, even if it’s just for a few weeks.
See the temporary kitchen we provide for our clients.
Must-Have Appliances and Tools for Temporary Kitchens
| Appliance | Main Use | Space Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Plate | Boiling, frying, simmering | Small countertop |
| Toaster Oven | Baking, toasting, roasting | Small-medium table |
| Microwave | Reheating, quick cooking | Small countertop |
The right appliances and tools make daily life easier while your main kitchen is out of action. Focus on portable cooking options, a few key small appliances, and smart storage.
Portable Cooking Solutions
Portable cooking appliances let you whip up meals in tight spaces.
A hot plate or induction cooktop is great for boiling, frying, or simmering.
A toaster oven or convection oven adds versatility—they can bake, roast, and toast.
Microwaves are a must-have for reheating leftovers and quick snacks.
If you like grilling, an electric grill or backyard barbecue gives you more meal options. For really tight spaces, a toaster and an electric kettle might be all you need.
Essential Small Appliances
Small appliances expand your meal options and save time.
- A coffee maker or coffee station keeps mornings normal.
- An electric kettle is perfect for tea, instant oatmeal, or quick soups.
- Slow cookers let you make easy, set-it-and-forget-it meals like stews or chili.
- If you want more variety, a blender or food processor is great for smoothies and sauces.
Stick to a few favorites to avoid clutter.
Choosing Storage and Refrigeration Options
A mini fridge is usually enough for perishables, but a full-size fridge is handy for bigger families or long projects.
Keep dry goods and snacks in labeled bins or boxes to minimize clutter.
Stackable containers are perfect for leftovers and meal prep.
A folding table or rolling cart can add extra workspace and keep everything within arm’s reach.
Reusable, airtight containers help minimize food waste and keep food fresh.
Set up a simple pantry with baskets or shelves for canned foods and dry goods.
Setting Up and Organizing Your Temporary Kitchen
Creating a temporary kitchen is all about practical choices and good planning. Focus on key appliances, streamlined storage, and safety for a smooth experience.
Essential Equipment and Utensils
Start with the basics: a microwave, toaster oven or air fryer, coffee maker, hot plate or induction cooktop, and a mini fridge.
Keep it simple with one or two pots and pans, plus essential utensils like a sharp knife, can opener, ladle, spatula, and tongs.
Use just a few dishes, or go with paper plates and plastic silverware to cut down on washing.
A drying rack and a plastic tub or dish bin are handy for washing up in a bathroom or laundry sink.
Keep measuring cups and favorite spices in a box or drawer for easy access.
Managing Counter and Storage Space
No kitchen cabinets? No problem. Use a folding table or portable counter as your prep station.
For storage, clear bins, baskets, or labeled boxes help keep utensils, dry goods, and supplies organized. Temporary shelving or a rolling cart can keep food and equipment within reach.
Keep only what you need to avoid overcrowding.
Store your most-used items at the front of any shelf or bin. Separate boxes for utensils and daily dishes make things run smoother.
Safe and Efficient Setup Tips
Set up near an electrical outlet and, if you can, near a water source, too.
Keep your workspace free from construction dust by sealing off the area with plastic sheeting if needed.
Plug appliances into a power strip with a surge protector to prevent overloads.
Put heavier items, like pots and the mini fridge, on sturdy surfaces.
Wipe down counters and organize daily to keep things tidy.
Always unplug and store small appliances when they’re not in use.
Meal Preparation, Cooking, and Clean-Up
Cooking in a temporary kitchen means working with fewer tools and less space, but you can still make great meals with a little planning.
Cooking Strategies for Limited Spaces
Cooking in a family room or other non-kitchen area calls for flexibility.
Small appliances like slow cookers, toaster ovens, microwaves, or hot plates make a big difference.
One-pan meals are your best bet—they clean up faster than a Snohomish sunset disappears behind low clouds. Stick to simple ingredients and versatile foods like rice, canned beans, and veggies.
Batch cooking is a lifesaver—make extra for leftovers.
Use folding tables or sturdy surfaces for prep, and keep tools organized in baskets or bins.
Go for meals that don’t require lots of steps or special equipment. Sandwiches, salads, pasta, or stir-fries are easy and quick.
Keep snacks and ready-to-eat foods handy for busy days.
Tips for Washing Dishes Without a Kitchen Sink
Wash dishes in a utility sink, laundry tub, bathtub, or even a small bathroom sink.
If those aren’t available, set up large plastic bins as makeshift sinks—one for washing, one for rinsing.
Stick to disposable plates or just enough reusable items for each family member to keep things simple. Wash dishes after every meal to avoid pile-ups, and keep dish soap, sponges, and towels close by.
Maintaining Hygiene and Safety
Cleanliness is key.
Wipe down tables and prep surfaces before and after meals with disinfecting wipes or all-purpose cleaner.
Store raw and cooked foods separately to avoid cross-contamination. Wash hands before cooking or eating, and keep food waste in closed bins—empty them daily to prevent odors and pests.
Use appliances only on stable surfaces, and keep cords away from water. Make sure the area is well-ventilated if you’re cooking indoors. Always unplug appliances when you’re done.
Maximizing Comfort and Efficiency During Your Kitchen Remodel
| Task | Best Tip |
|---|---|
| Food Prep | Use a folding table for extra counter space |
| Cooking | Keep devices plugged in but away from water |
| Storage | Label bins and group similar items |
| Cleaning | Set up a small plastic tub for dishes |
A few simple strategies can keep your home running smoothly, even as your kitchen gets a makeover. The right layout and some smart tools make prepping, cooking, and hanging out much easier.
Keeping Your Household Running Smoothly
Set up a temporary kitchen space in another room, like the dining room or even the garage. Small appliances—think microwave, toaster oven, and electric kettle—can handle most hot meals.
Portable carts or shelves give you extra surface space and help keep things organized. Clear bins with labels make it easy to find what you need in a pinch.
A cleanup station near a utility sink or tub makes dishwashing less of a hassle and keeps mess to a minimum.
Stick to simple meals and try batch cooking to cut down on time spent in your temporary kitchen.
Whether you’re remodeling a craftsman in Snohomish or a condo in downtown Seattle, planning ahead means fewer surprises and a much smoother routine during construction.
Adapting for Entertaining and Multiple Cooks
Making your kitchen friendly for more than one cook is totally doable with a few tweaks. Try moving tables or carts against the walls to open up more space.
Keep utensils and main ingredients within easy reach so no one ends up crowding around the same spot. Lightweight or stackable stools let people sit nearby without getting in the way.
For those busy cooking sessions, set up a separate area just for chopping veggies or prepping snacks. That way, everyone—kids, partners, or friends—can pitch in at the same time.
If you’re hosting friends, think about using the living room or patio as extra entertaining space. Set out buffet trays and paper plates to keep the kitchen from getting too crowded.
Stagger cooking times if your kitchen is tight. It makes sharing appliances easier and keeps everyone moving comfortably.
Posting simple instructions or using numbered labels on food can help everyone know what to do next. Entertaining during a renovation can actually be fun with just a little planning!
From Chaos to Counter Space: Home Run Solutions Has You Covered
When your remodel starts heating up, Home Run Solutions makes sure your home life doesn’t boil over. From layout tips to appliance picks, we help you stay functional, organized, and fed through every phase of your kitchen renovation.
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort just because your kitchen’s offline. Fill out our contact form today or give us a call to start planning your remodel with less stress and more strategy.
FAQs
What dishwashing options are available if you don’t have a kitchen sink during the remodel?
Use a laundry sink, utility sink, bathtub, or large plastic bin as a dishwashing station during a kitchen remodel. Set up a portable camping or countertop sink if plumbing access exists. Minimize cleanup by using disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
What space makes the best location for a temporary kitchen?
Set up a temporary kitchen in a dining room, laundry room, sun porch, or garage with access to outlets and ventilation. Keep it away from construction dust and protect the flooring using plastic or plywood under appliances.
How can I make meal prep easier in a stripped-down cooking setup?
Make meal prep easier by batch-cooking freezer meals like soups and casseroles ahead of time. Use small appliances like toaster ovens, hot plates, slow cookers, and grills to cook efficiently and reduce mess.